What Are Hair Texturizers? Learn All About These Body-Boosting Products and Which Hair Types Should Use Them

Ever gotten a blowout only to have it fall flat within an hour of leaving the salon? We have been there—and would wager that your stylist didn't apply the appropriate products to maintain your look's volume. That's where hair texturizers come in. These formulas are usually sprays and work to give body and lift to even the flattest of hair types. To learn more about their perks, we asked some experts for their insight.

What are hair texturizers?

According to IGK Hair co-founder Leo Izquierdo, these products do exactly as their name suggests: They deliver plenty of texture to your hair. "They give the hair a bit of grip, so you can manipulate it into your desired shape," he explains. In that sense, texturizers are the perfect product for anyone hoping to create long-lasting body, waves, and face-framing details. With that in mind, celebrity hairstylist Ryan Richman explains that there's a difference between store-bought texturizing sprays and chemical texturizing processes. The former (which "add a windswept, tousled look to the hair," Richman shares) are entirely separate from the latter (which, according to Richman, loosen a natural curl pattern and work similarly to a relaxer).

Which hair types benefit the most from texturizer sprays?

Everyone can benefit from these types of products, R+Co collective member Adam Federico says, but those with fine to medium hair types will see the most noteworthy results. Why? Because texturizers can "deliver instant 'attitude' to otherwise flat hair," he shares. Izquierdo says that those with straighter strands often see the biggest difference, since most texturizing sprays offer extra hold while creating body and movement, adds Richman.

What's the best way to use them?

While some products require precise application, these formulas do not. "Style your hair in whatever curl or wave you prefer and flip it side-to-side or upside-down while spraying the product throughout—breaking the wave up with your fingertips as you apply," Richman instructs. Federico notes that the type of texturizer, however, plays a role into how to best use it. "If it is a spray or powder, these formulas work best on dry hair that has been styled, since these types of products alter the finish of the hair," he says. "Powders can be pumped or sprayed into the root area to promote body and fullness, offering a bit of grit. Sprays can be misted into the mid-shafts and ends to create separation and hold." If it is a gel-based iteration, on the other hand, apply it to damp hair and blow your strands dry to promote body, he notes.

Products to Try

"My clients love the IGK Beach Club Volumizing Texture Spray ($29, sephora.com) for a beachy hair look," Izquierdo says, noting that it is his preferred formula, as well. "It's different from most texture sprays out there because it is a salt-free formula—it uses glycerin and gluten-free wheat protein instead of salt to add waves and body to the hair without drying it out or feeling sticky. The aerosol application gives you light, even coverage that you can build up depending on how much texture you want." Federico is a big fan of newcomer R+Co BLEU Lifestyler Volume & Texture Spray ($53, neimanmarcus.com). "It builds body and adds definition to finished styles," he shares. "I love that I can mist into literally any hair type and it builds a kind of second-day grit, plus adds memory."

As for Richman? He prefersMonat Studio One Dry Texturizing Spray ($35, monatglobal.com)."This is a dry spray that adds volume and gives your hair a soft touchable undone finish," Richman says. "It's not sticky and doesn't create build-up—but will give you lasting texture and fullness throughout the day."